India are the favourites to win at Rajkot in the first Test against England but can they mess up their golden opportunity?

A weary England side prepare to take on hosts India at Rajkot on Wednesday, and the two sides have had contrasting fortunes lately. India have had a great period in Test cricket, topping the rankings after dominating against South Africa and New Zealand at home and West Indies in the Caribbean.

England on the other hand, are on the back of an uninspiring show against Bangladesh, where they lost a Test against rookie spinners. Cricket analysts and experts have already written off England in this tour to India after their dismal show in Bangladesh.

But the English do have the line-up which can spring a surprise. India, meanwhile, will not want a repeat of what happened in 2012, when Panesar and Swann, inspired England to an unlikely series win. While their recent heroics suggest few means by which they can lose the series or even a Test, India have certain weaknesses.

A glance through the only few ways India can lose the first Test at Rajkot follows.

#1 England's record in India

Kevin Pietersen was tormentor-in-chief against India in 2012

England are one of the best visitors to Indian shores since the turn of the century. A win-loss record of 3-4 is best among visiting teams and a loss percentage of 33.33% is also joint best with Pakistan.

The English are the only side to record a series win in India in the last 10 years, which came in their last visit. English batsmen have traditionally played much better than other nations with the top order averaging above 40 in India.

While they had been underwhelming in Bangladesh, one cannot rule out England's comeback in a country they have had reasonable success. The English side also bat deep and have able top order batsmen in Cook and Root.